Synopsis
Prospero was the duke of Milan. But his ability was questioned because he spent most of his time in his study. So, Antonio, Prospero’s brother, aided by Alonso, the King of Naples, deposed Prospero by sending him and and his infant daughter, Miranda, adrift. The kind-hearted court counselor, Gonzalo, supplied their boat with food, water, and all of Prospero’s prized books.
But, Prospero doesn’t parish adrift in the ocean. He lands on a mysterious Island, occupied by Caliban and Ariel. Prospero civilizes Caliban by teaching him how to speak. In return, Caliban repays Prospero with free access to the island's resources. However, Caliban begins noticing Miranda in a romantic manner and attempts to rape her. Prospero protects his daughter by enslaving the creature. Ariel, an air spirit, is another Island inhabitant which Prospero forces into servitude. Since Prospero freed Ariel from Sycorax’s clutches, Ariel must work for his freedom by doing Prospero's bidding.
The text begins with the Tempest that Prospero conjured when he envisioned Antonio in a ship passing by the Island. While sailing, Alonso, Antonio, Trinculo, Gonzalo, Sebastian, and Stephano are cast ashore by the torrential storm. Prospero uses his magic to ensure the separate the party into three groups: Trinculo and Stephano; Alonso, Gonzalo, Sebastian, and Antonio; and Ferdinand, Alonso’s son. Three plots play out through the narrative in this way.
The first is among the drunkards, Stephano and Trinculo. They meet Caliban. Caliban is entranced by Stephano and worships him. However, he also tries to persuade them both to rebel against Prospero and kill him.
The next story line involves Ferdinand. Prospero bids Ariel to lure Ferdinand to the center of the island in order to meet Miranda; they fall in love instantly.
The final plot involves Antonio, Sebastian, Alonso and Gonzalo. Antonio and Sebastian conspire to kill Alonso and Gonzalo so that Sebastian can become the king of Naples. Prospero knows this and commands Ariel to thwart their plan by appearing to Antonio, Sebastian, and Alonso as a “Harpy.” This is a creature from Greek mythology that takes on the form of an “ugly winged birdwoman.” The Harpy reprimands the three for their previous betrayal of Prospero. The magician is able to manipulate the trio’s trek through the Island, bringing them closer to him.
To conclude, all the main characters are brought together by Prospero and he ceremoniously forgives Alonso. Prospero also forgives Antonio and Sebastian, but warns them of their unscrupulous actions. He then commands Ariel to prepare the weather so that all of them can make it back to Naples, where Miranda and Ferdinand are to be officially married. Following the accomplishment of this task, he then frees Ariel and vows to give up magic once and for all.
Prospero was the duke of Milan. But his ability was questioned because he spent most of his time in his study. So, Antonio, Prospero’s brother, aided by Alonso, the King of Naples, deposed Prospero by sending him and and his infant daughter, Miranda, adrift. The kind-hearted court counselor, Gonzalo, supplied their boat with food, water, and all of Prospero’s prized books.
But, Prospero doesn’t parish adrift in the ocean. He lands on a mysterious Island, occupied by Caliban and Ariel. Prospero civilizes Caliban by teaching him how to speak. In return, Caliban repays Prospero with free access to the island's resources. However, Caliban begins noticing Miranda in a romantic manner and attempts to rape her. Prospero protects his daughter by enslaving the creature. Ariel, an air spirit, is another Island inhabitant which Prospero forces into servitude. Since Prospero freed Ariel from Sycorax’s clutches, Ariel must work for his freedom by doing Prospero's bidding.
The text begins with the Tempest that Prospero conjured when he envisioned Antonio in a ship passing by the Island. While sailing, Alonso, Antonio, Trinculo, Gonzalo, Sebastian, and Stephano are cast ashore by the torrential storm. Prospero uses his magic to ensure the separate the party into three groups: Trinculo and Stephano; Alonso, Gonzalo, Sebastian, and Antonio; and Ferdinand, Alonso’s son. Three plots play out through the narrative in this way.
The first is among the drunkards, Stephano and Trinculo. They meet Caliban. Caliban is entranced by Stephano and worships him. However, he also tries to persuade them both to rebel against Prospero and kill him.
The next story line involves Ferdinand. Prospero bids Ariel to lure Ferdinand to the center of the island in order to meet Miranda; they fall in love instantly.
The final plot involves Antonio, Sebastian, Alonso and Gonzalo. Antonio and Sebastian conspire to kill Alonso and Gonzalo so that Sebastian can become the king of Naples. Prospero knows this and commands Ariel to thwart their plan by appearing to Antonio, Sebastian, and Alonso as a “Harpy.” This is a creature from Greek mythology that takes on the form of an “ugly winged birdwoman.” The Harpy reprimands the three for their previous betrayal of Prospero. The magician is able to manipulate the trio’s trek through the Island, bringing them closer to him.
To conclude, all the main characters are brought together by Prospero and he ceremoniously forgives Alonso. Prospero also forgives Antonio and Sebastian, but warns them of their unscrupulous actions. He then commands Ariel to prepare the weather so that all of them can make it back to Naples, where Miranda and Ferdinand are to be officially married. Following the accomplishment of this task, he then frees Ariel and vows to give up magic once and for all.